Tallahassee Roofing Tip – Gutter Cleaning: A How To
Thanks for checking out this edition of Arnold’s Roofing Tips! As always, you can contact the Tallahassee Roofing Experts at Arnold’s Roofing with any questions you may have!
Gutters are an important part of your roof system. They are used to collect rainwater coming off your roof and guide it toward selected points of your roof and then down into a rain collection system or out into your yard. Gutters protect your home (and basement) from flooding near your foundation which can prevent long-term foundation issues.
With heavy spring and summer rains in North Florida it is ideal to have a gutter system installed and a rainwater dispersal system in place. Gutter cleaning is also an important aspect home maintenance.
Types of Gutters
There are several types of gutters available to homeowners including K-style, half-round, aluminum, copper, seamless, steel and vinyl among others. The experts at Arnold’s roofing are your Tallahassee roofing experts and can help walk you through the various types of gutters and select the best product for your home.
When to clean
Gutters should be inspected, cleaned and repaired twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. This will help prevent storm damage during the rainy season and help you avoid outdoor maintenance during the cold winter months. Our tallahassee roofing team at Arnold’s Roofing is happy to come out and provide a free yearly inspection of your roof and gutters to ensure your home is safe and maintained.
Debris
Gutter debris is the most common problem homeowners face. Loose debris such as leaves and branches left in your gutters start to decompose. Damp leaves or branches left decomposing in your gutter can become a solid sheet sitting on the bottom of your gutter, blocking rain from making its way through the system and weighing down your gutters.
Both of these conditions can lead to failing gutters in need of repair or replacement.
A fall tradition – cleaning the gutters of leaves. Here, we see them clogging the gutters of a traditional home.
Steps for cleaning gutters
The first step to cleaning your gutters is to gather your supplies. You will need a sturdy ladder tall enough so that you will be able to easily see into your gutter system. You do not want to clean your gutters while standing on your roof, not only does it put undue pressure on your roof but is unsafe.
You will also want to gather a pair of gardening or work gloves, dust mask and safety goggles. If you would like the debris collected after being removed from the gutters place a tarp underneath the section you are working on. It is also ideal if your gutters are dry before you begin cleaning. Wet gutter debris, as discussed earlier, can be more difficult to remove.
There are several ways to clean your gutters. One would be to use a pressure washer to spray debris through the system and out of the gutters. Make sure you gutters are secured properly and no repairs are needed before using this method. Pressure washers can be rented at your local home improvement store or purchased.
You can also use a small gardening shovel or tongs to scoop out debris. If handling debris by hand remember to wear your gardening gloves to protect your skin from any sharp branches or loose debris.
Preventative Products
There are several preventative products that can be installed with your gutter system to prevent debris from piling up in your gutters. Products such as gutter guards, shields and screens can be used in conjunction with your gutter system.
The Arnold’s Tallahassee roofing team can review these options as well as answer any questions about roofing products during a visit to your home.
Rainspouts
While inspecting or cleaning gutters make sure to also inspect your rainspouts and remove and debris clogging the entry and exit locations. This will help keep water from building up near your foundation and instead direct it into your yard.
Gutter Repair
If your gutters are rusted, cracked or not safely secured to your home call an expert at Arnold’s Roofing today. We are trained in gutter repair and replacement.
Call the Tallahassee roofing experts at Arnold’s Roofing Enterprises today! (Contact info or button to call)